Healthy People Have These 10 Things in Their Homes — Do You?

Fostering healthy habits is not only good for your body and mind, but it can also save you money. So, if we were to peek into the home of a textbook case healthy person, what might we find? (I love snooping!) Well, the following items would be a safe bet.

1. Real Food

You might think healthy people would have a good stock of vitamins and supplements in their medicine cabinet, but that's not necessarily true. Instead, eating whole foods is a better nutritional bet. Plus, filling up on fruits, vegetables, and other unprocessed goods aids with weight control, extending the benefits even further. (See also: 25 Frugal Items for Your Vegan Grocery List)

2. Athletic Apparel and Shoes

Exercise is another basic cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you train for triathlons or just work toward getting those recommended 10,000 steps per day, incorporating activity into your daily routine will help keep your muscles strong and your body processes moving. And you don't need a gym membership to make a path to better health — you can workout at home or even in the office! (See also: Workout Clothes Worth Splurging On)

3. Water Bottles

Water aids our bodies with many processes, including flushing toxins and regulating body temperature. Whether you choose to slug bottled or tap water, keeping a reusable bottle by your side will help get in your eight glasses a day. Drinking water can also save you nearly $1,000 a year.

4. Yoga Mats

We are inundated in our daily lives by phone calls, emails, television programs, and all sorts of other distractions. Even if we enjoy these activities, they can accumulate into stress, whether we realize it or not. You don't even need to visit your local yoga studio to get your stretch on. Here are some free resources for yoga workouts you can do at home.

5. Photos of Family and Friends

As an introvert, I could easily spend time alone for days and be entirely happy. However, the importance of a strong social network of supportive people should not be diminished. In fact, scientists at Harvard University say that our friends and family hold the power to help us create "healthful habits, positive attitudes, and wise lifestyle choices." Conversely, I suppose the reverse is also true — so choose your friends wisely.

6. Floss

As you may have heard, brushing your teeth is only half the equation. Though recent studies have shown that people who regularly floss don't necessarily avoid heart disease as was once believed, keeping your gums healthy for the sake of oral health is still important. (See also: How to Avoid Expensive Dental Problems)

7. Appointment Reminder Cards

Don't just wait till you feel a tickle in your throat or throbbing tooth to visit your doctor. Staying up-to-date with physicals, dentist appointments, and vision exams is a sure way to keep your systems up and running. Identifying possible ailments or issues before they cause symptoms is the key to preventative healthcare. (See also: The 6 Most Important Health Appointments)

8. Sunscreen

Sunscreens and blocks should be an automatic part of our routines all year round. We especially need to shield our skin from harmful UV rays as we head into summer. As always, avoiding direct exposure in the peak times of the day (approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is best. Otherwise, slather it on and reapply as necessary. Note: Some lotions that promise added extras aren't worth the money, so choose carefully. (See also: Cheap and Simple Sunburn Remedies That Work)

9. Passports

Or plane tickets. Or road trip plans! Healthy people take vacations to expand their horizons and get away from the daily grind. Better yet, studies have shown that travel — especially for older individuals — can help "prevent dementia and Alzheimer's Disease." Trips don't have to cost a fortune, either. You can have fun and frugal vacations no matter where you want to go.

10. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide — also known as the "silent killer" — causes mild symptoms like headaches, weakness, and dizziness. If there's a buildup in your home, you might not know until it's too late. Surprisingly, only 25 states in the US require carbon monoxide detectors, but it's a good idea to place at least one near your sleeping area regardless. And while you're at it, be sure to check that all your smoke detectors are working.